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How can I help my cats prepare and adjust to a new home after moving?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed

We may be moving and I want to know how I can help my cats prepare for the new house and adjust to it

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 8th, 2019

Great question! Make sure to keep Tazi's bedding and familiar object with her, Don't wash them beforehand, that way the old scent is still on them and that will reassure her. Leave the carrier out now, in the open where she can see it and get in it if so inclined. Then it won't be such a shock when it come time to put her in it. Get calming pheromone based diffusers and put them throughout the current house and in the new on as well as soon as you can. In the new house, make sure she has plenty of places to hide, perch, get up off the floor and look out the window. Scatter her toys throughout the house so there are familiar things nearby. If she hides somewhere when you finally move, let her. Put food, water and litter where she can get to it and let her explore on her own. It may take some time, but your cat will get used to her new home. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 21st, 2017

    I think the hardest part of the move for your cat will probably be traveling the 3 hours to the new house. Typically I would recommend sedation for a trip like this to keep the cat calm but since your cat is of an advanced age it is probably not worth the risk. Once you get to the new house have some of you cat's familiar things around, like cat beds, blankets and of course litter boxes. Try not to wash the beds etc before you move so they still have a familiar smell. If may also be beneficial to get a pheromone diffuser like Feliway for the home. These release a scent that can be calming for cats. There is also a pheromone spray you can get to use in the car to help keep her calm as well. You may want to also consider having your cat checked by your vet befor taking a trip just to make sure there are no underlying problems going on. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck with your move!

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